Constitution
Name
The Association will be known as the National Association of Field Studies Officers.
Objectives and activities
- To be the professional body representing field studies officers.
- To advance the development of field studies as an important element in education for all.
- To collect evidence and opinions from Members on matters concerning field studies and environmental education, and to present this information to such enquiries, projects and standing committees as may from time to time be established by the Department for Education and Skills, and other relevant bodies.
- To initiate or take part in enquiries and investigations relevant to work of members.
- To seek to represent the Association on all appropriate committees, working parties and conferences dealing with matters of interest to Members as field studies officers.
- To make more effective educational use of the environment by promoting co-operation between Members and their employers on the one hand and, on the other, the organisations and individuals who own, or manage land and are involved in the conservation of the countryside, and the community in both town and country environments.
- To carry out surveys on the conditions of employment, terms of reference and other matters of professional concern to members.
- The Association may take part in, or initiate such other activities in connection with the development of field studies, or in the interests of the membership as fields studies officers, as may from time to time be approved by general meeting, or by ballot of Members.
In pursuing these aims the Association may establish such relationships with other organisations as shall be recommended by ballot or by general meeting of Members.
Membership
Membership is open to those whose professional employment includes the teaching, development and/or promotion of field studies as an essential element in education for all. Members have full voting rights and are covered by public liability insurance (UPDATE: members take out individual cover on a community group scheme).
- The Executive shall confirm all applications for membership.
- The subscription rate for Membership shall be determined by AGM a year in advance of introduction. Subscriptions are due from 1st January. Any new member joining on or after 1st October of any year will be a member for the following year.
- The Association will have an Honorary President who will serve for a period of three years. This person will be chosen and invited to stand by the Executive. The period of three years may be extended by mutual consent. On completion of office, the Honorary President will be invited to become an Honorary Vice-President.
The Association may, by resolution of the AGM, elect Honorary Life Members.
Officials and Executive
- The Officials of the Executive Committee shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and Association Secretary.
- The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officials and Membership Secretary, Journal Editor, Newsletter Editor and Publicity and Promotions Officer.
- The Executive Committee will also contain two other elected members. The Executive reserves the right to co-opt members as required to the Committee.
- The Executive Committee will meet at least three times a year. A quorum shall be five members including at least two Officials.
- Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected for a period of two years. Election of Chairman and Treasurer shall be in alternate years to the election of Association Secretary and Vice-Chairman.
- Nominations for members of the Executive shall be invited from Members following publication of the Summer Newsletter, in which notification of elections shall be given. Nominations must be received by the Association Secretary by 30th September and will be published in the Autumn Newsletter.
- Members may cast votes by proxy for the election of members of the Executive by submitting a signed and completed election paper to the Association Secretary, before the commencement of voting at the AGM. Where nominations for particular posts have not been received by 30th September, nominations will be received at the AGM and voted upon on this occasion.
- A special General Meeting or ballot of Members on any matter may be called by not less than ten Members submitting a request in writing to the Association Secretary. Such meetings or ballot must take place within three calendar months of the receipt of the request.
- Votes of no confidence may only be passed by AGM, Special General Meeting or by a ballot of Members provided that 60% of Members take part in that vote.
- The Executive may ask for a ballot of Members before accepting motions passed by any general meeting, with the exception of the AGM, if the meeting was attended by less than 60% of the Membership.
- The Association accounts will be audited before the AGM and presented to the AGM.
- The AGM will normally be held during the period of the Field Studies Officers Annual Conference.
- Any proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be notified to the Association Secretary, in writing, by 30th September. A majority of at least 60% of all votes cast at the AGM shall be necessary for an amendment to be carried.
- The management of the AGM, Executive and Special General Meetings shall be undertaken by the incumbent Executive. The standing orders to be followed will conform to established procedures.
In the event of the winding up or dissolution of NAFSO any remaining assets after all liabilities have been discharged, shall not be paid or transferred to any members of the association, but shall be transferred to charitable organisations recommended at the time by the executive, whose objectives are similar to those of NAFSO and whose rules preclude the distribution of income and assets among its members.
The Executive as necessary may convene sub-committees and working groups. All such groups contain at least one member of the Executive, but may include any ordinary members for whom participation is appropriate. All such groups will report to the Executive Committee.
Prepared 1972. Amendments 1974, 1979, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997 & 2004.